ISSUE 35

THE NEW SHAPE OF RETAIL AROUND THE WORLD

Across the globe, consumers’ tastes vary, but universally, they expect more from their retail environments than just a place to shop.

By RICHARD CHANG and BEATRIZ DE PAZ

THE NEW SHAPE OF RETAIL AROUND THE WORLD

Across the globe, consumers’ tastes vary, but universally, they expect more from their retail environments than just a place to shop.

By RICHARD CHANG and BEATRIZ DE PAZ
The Avenues, Kuwait. Catering to the social nature of shopping in Kuwait, The Avenues is a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination for locals and visitors.

In cities across the globe, consumers shop, consume, and experience differently. In Latin America, shopping and dining are social, family-oriented activities. In Europe, consumers expect first-rate service. In each of these cities, the form that retail takes varies to reflect local culture, climate, economic, and political differences. Yet, despite local and regional differences, there are commonalities. Consumers everywhere are increasingly seeking more than just transactions from the brands they do business with — they’re seeking places that foster community and belonging, where their workstyles and lifestyles converge. Today’s brands must be both local and global, cognizant of global trends, while tailoring their environments to local culture and consumer preferences.

Cadillac House, Shanghai
Visitors are taken on a thematic, three-level customer journey with hospitality at the ground floor; education at the second floor; and an art gallery, exclusive lounge, and event space at the third.
Dandelion Chocolate Factory,
San Francisco
Comprised of a working factory, café and retail space, tasting salon, educational area, and workspace, the factory engages visitors with communal spaces and hands-on
classes and tastings.
Harman Experience Store, Munich
Digital and physical touchpoints allow customers to interact with the Harman product portfolio, creating an engaging, memorable experience that goes beyond a transaction.
The Avenues, Kuwait City, Kuwait
A large building with people outside.
Catering to the social nature of shopping in Kuwait, The Avenues is a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination for locals and visitors.
República Casa Cervecera, San José, Costa Rica
People sitting at tables outside.
At this beer house, guests can enjoy a variety of unique experiences, such as witnessing the brewing process at
the nano-brewery.
Richard Chang
Richard leads high-profile retail projects for internationally renowned retailers out of Gensler’s Shanghai office, guiding his clients through complex projects in China and throughout the region with his strong leadership and cross-cultural communication skills. With 13 years of focused experience in Asia’s retail market, Richard is particularly adept at prototype design and strategic planning. Contact him at
Beatriz De Paz
Bea is a design director with a background in highly experiential project types and a strong portfolio in customer journey and placemaking. Her approach to design is infused by her unique international experience and her ability to move from concept design to hands-on technical work. Bea is based in San José, Costa Rica. Contact her at .